[Baketech]

Ex-Rep. Janklow to Get Law License Back
By CHET BROKAW, Associated Press WriterThu Jan 5, 10:57 AM ET

Former Rep. Bill Janklow, who resigned from Congress after being convicted in a deadly traffic accident, will have his law license reinstated next month, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday.
The order said returning the license on Feb. 15 posed no public threat because Janklow's convictions were unrelated to the practice of law and did not involve fraud, deceit or dishonesty.

Janklow, a former four-term governor, was automatically suspended as a lawyer after a jury found him guilty in December 2003 of running a stop sign and killing motorcyclist Randy Scott, 55, in August 2003.
The Republican politician spent 100 days in jail, was put on probation and cannot drive during that time.
Thursday's 4-1 decision, made by a substitute panel of five circuit judges, followed a recommendation by the State Bar's Disciplinary Board. The judge who sentenced Janklow in the manslaughter trial had recommended waiting until Janklow's probation ends in January 2007.

Janklow, 66, declined to comment on the ruling when reached by telephone. "It wouldn't be appropriate for me to say anything when I haven't read it," he said.

At a Supreme Court hearing in October, he had asked that the law license be reinstated immediately.
"I can tell you that I'm sorry for what happened," Janklow said at the time.

The ruling — which came from a substitute panel because Janklow had a hand in appointments for all five high court justices — said Janklow "has had a long and distinguished career as an attorney."
"While there are public concerns regarding Janklow's driving, there was no evidence presented to suggest that the public needs protection from Janklow's conduct as an attorney," Judge Glen Severson wrote for the court.

The Bar's Disciplinary Board had found that Janklow's conduct reflected indifference to traffic laws and disregard for the results and risks of that behavior. But it also said he has a history of representing poor people and would continue to do so if allowed to resume work as a licensed lawyer.

The crash near Trent, north of Sioux Falls, ended Janklow's political career. He had dominated South Dakota politics for three decades, first as attorney general, then a four-term governor and finally the state's only U.S. House member.

Scott's motorcycle plowed into the side of Janklow's car as Janklow sped through a stop sign.

Prosecutors said Janklow had a long habit of speeding, characterizing his driving as "awful and menacing."
The defense said Janklow, who was diagnosed with diabetes in 1998, did not stop or slow down because his judgment and driving skills were impaired by low blood sugar.

Full Story

[luvtolean]

Which begs the question, when is it enough?

I think Janklow has "done his time", and hopefully learned his lesson, and will get on with his life.

[Heavy-Dee]

Did you see the Frontline where they talk about why Suix Falls is the "Credit Card Capital of the World"?

Janklow was the Governer that helped that to happen. It was very interesting.

HD

[luvtolean]

No, but that was wise. Cheap labor spot, with a bit of government slicking up of the rules, it gets real attractive.

Come to think of it, I have credit cards with billing there.

Delaware is big too for corporations.

[silkywilson]

Originally Posted by luvtolean

Which begs the question, when is it enough?

I think Janklow has "done his time", and hopefully learned his lesson, and will get on with his life.

so you belive 100 days in jail and not being able to drive while on probation is doing his time for KILLING AN INOCENT PERSON?? the guy should suffer daily for the rest of his life.. like the motorcyclists family will..

[luvtolean]

I'm saying that's the normal punishment in our society for what he did.

I had a friend in high school kill a girl in his car when he ran a stop sign. He did no time.

Janklow will suffer the rest of his life. Even if you consider the man a monster in that he doesn't feel bad for what he did, he still lost a very long career in politics. He was disbarred. He lost his livelihood. His name is tarnished.

Most people don't suffer near that much when they screw up driving and kill someone.

If you think we need to destroy anyone who screws up while driving...we're going to need to build some very very large jails.

[HondaGalToo]

Originally Posted by silkywilson

so you belive 100 days in jail and not being able to drive while on probation is doing his time for KILLING AN INOCENT PERSON?? the guy should suffer daily for the rest of his life.. like the motorcyclists family will..

Gotta agree here. I haven't heard anything from him that sounds like remorse.

[HondaGalToo]

Originally Posted by luvtolean

I'm saying that's the normal punishment in our society for what he did.

I had a friend in high school kill a girl in his car when he ran a stop sign. He did no time.

Janklow will suffer the rest of his life. Even if you consider the man a monster in that he doesn't feel bad for what he did, he still lost a very long career in politics. He was disbarred. He lost his livelihood. His name is tarnished.

Most people don't suffer near that much when they screw up driving and kill someone.

If you think we need to destroy anyone who screws up while driving...we're going to need to build some very very large jails.

Very true, but I think he did a little more than "screw up while driving". He repeatedly broke the law in this regard, tried to cover it up, and shows no remorse for his actions. An accident's one thing, but this guy was always an accident waiting to happen.

[luvtolean]

Originally Posted by HondaGalToo

Gotta agree here. I haven't heard anything from him that sounds like remorse.

Janklow is an attorney. He knows remorse is used as an admission of guilt in court.

We don't really know if he does or doesn't feel bad, but I understand why he wouldn't offer a public apology. I'm guessing there are civil suits pending against him now.

Then again, he might be the biggest asshole ever, and really doesn't care.

[luvtolean]

Originally Posted by HondaGalToo

Very true, but I think he did a little more than "screw up while driving". He repeatedly broke the law in this regard, tried to cover it up, and shows no remorse for his actions. An accident's one thing, but this guy was always an accident waiting to happen.

I think that could all apply to several drivers who are my friends. (other than not having the influence over covering it up).

Janklow is a highly irresponsible driver by all accounts, but I think he's suffered more than most.

[HondaGalToo]

Fair enough.

[RC51Mike]

A couple things come to mind. First, a lot of lawyers lose their licenses for a much longer time for a lot less than killing someone. This guy was characterized as someone who routinely violated traffic laws and somehow he is still worthy of belonging to the bar? Second, why are we always so quick to excuse someone we elected when they don't live up to even our low standards? Everyone bitches about Congress and their lack of ethics yet we make no attempt to hold them to a higher standard. They are supposed to be our leaders, not some useless schmucks milking the system and blowing through stops signs like they own the road. 100 days, gets to practice law again and drive a car for killing someone isn't enough in my book. I'm not asking for Jesus Christ in Congress but if we don't insist on a higher standard of behavior, ethics and humanity, well then we get what we deserve.

[HondaGalToo]

Originally Posted by RC51Mike

A couple things come to mind. First, a lot of lawyers lose their licenses for a much longer time for a lot less than killing someone. This guy was characterized as someone who routinely violated traffic laws and somehow he is still worthy of belonging to the bar? Second, why are we always so quick to excuse someone we elected when they don't live up to even our low standards? Everyone bitches about Congress and their lack of ethics yet we make no attempt to hold them to a higher standard. They are supposed to be our leaders, not some useless schmucks milking the system and blowing through stops signs like they own the road. 100 days, gets to practice law again and drive a car for killing someone isn't enough in my book. I'm not asking for Jesus Christ in Congress but if we don't insist on a higher standard of behavior, ethics and humanity, well then we get what we deserve.

Agreed, 110%. I just wasn't in the mood to argue.

[sheepofblue]

Originally Posted by luvtolean

Janklow is an attorney. He knows remorse is used as an admission of guilt in court.

We don't really know if he does or doesn't feel bad, but I understand why he wouldn't offer a public apology. I'm guessing there are civil suits pending against him now.

Then again, he might be the biggest asshole ever, and really doesn't care.

In other words he is still trying dodge the repercussions of his irresponsible actions that cost someone their life.

It is obvious that this has no respect for the law (regularly ignores) and a total self absorbtion (demonstrated by his overriding concern on how it impacts him after he kills someone) Yep he would definitely be an asset to the bottom feeders in the legal profession.

[luvtolean]

RC51, he is no longer a Congressman and went to jail. I think it hardly appears that Janklow's actions are condoned by the government.

I only have one example.

A friend of mine, who I think was an adult when it happened, ran a stop sign in a far more negligent manner than Janklow, and ended up getting a passenger in his car killed.

I am not excusing Janklow's behavior. I am saying I've known someone, who killed an innocent young lady by incredibly stupid actions.

He did not even go to jail. He had far less penalty for a more negligent action than Janklow's.

As far as "dodging reprocussions", of course he is! If someone is suing me, I'm not going to say forget it, take everything I and my family have. I'm going to fight for my life. Of course sheep, knowing your affinity for politicians and lawyers, I hardly expect you to be objective.

Since you guys are so eager to tar and feather the man, let's hear what would make you happy. Death penalty maybe?

[sheepofblue]

Originally Posted by luvtolean

RC51, he is no longer a Congressman and went to jail. I think it hardly appears that Janklow's actions are condoned by the government.

I only have one example.

A friend of mine, who I think was an adult when it happened, ran a stop sign in a far more negligent manner than Janklow, and ended up getting a passenger in his car killed.

I am not excusing Janklow's behavior. I am saying I've known someone, who killed an innocent young lady by incredibly stupid actions.

He did not even go to jail. He had far less penalty for a more negligent action than Janklow's.

As far as "dodging reprocussions", of course he is! If someone is suing me, I'm not going to say forget it, take everything I and my family have. I'm going to fight for my life. Of course sheep, knowing your affinity for politicians and lawyers, I hardly expect you to be objective.

Since you guys are so eager to tar and feather the man, let's hear what would make you happy. Death penalty maybe?

Lawyers and politicains

Seriously though had my stupidity killed someone I would feel horrible and very responsible and try to make ammends not avoid them.

[luvtolean]

If you think submitting to the plaintiff's attorneys is "making amends", you must not know many lawyers.

I'm still waiting for someone's version of "justice" in this case.

[CBRVFR]

Originally Posted by luvtolean

If you think submitting to the plaintiff's attorneys is "making amends", you must not know many lawyers.

I'm still waiting for someone's version of "justice" in this case.

I'd like to chain that arrogant piece of **** to the bumper of a pickup and drag him back to DC.

Then I'd apologize.


Seriously, good post RC51Mike - extra points for correct spelling and usage of "schmuck"

[Fig]

"The defense said Janklow, who was diagnosed with diabetes in 1998, did not stop or slow down because his judgment and driving skills were impaired by low blood sugar."

Question, if this can be used as an excuse for his driving mistake can't it also be used as a reason to deny him a law license? You can argue that at any point during a trial he can just ask for a recess and get something to eat, but the same can be said for his driving. At any point he could have pulled over and corrected his blood sugar. Seems to me he is incapable of monitoring his own well being. I think the key word in the quote is "judgement"..

[luvtolean]

Originally Posted by CBRVFR

I'd like to chain that arrogant piece of **** to the bumper of a pickup and drag him back to DC.

Bah, you don't like him just because he's a republican.

[CBRVFR]

.. I don't like ANY of 'em.